LIMPOPO – A 20-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the murder of a two-year-old child at Sekurung village, under the Lebowakgomo policing area, on Tuesday, October 13.

Police responded to a reported kidnapping incident at about 11:55 AM. Upon arrival at Sekurung Mountain, they found community members gathered at the scene, where the body of the deceased child was discovered.

The child was identified by her mother.

The suspect was also still at the scene and was subsequently arrested for murder.

Allegedly taken from home, stabbed and burned

The child was allegedly taken from her home before being fatally stabbed. She also sustained burn wounds, as the suspect allegedly started a fire at the deceased’s home before leaving with her.

The motive behind the incident is unclear at this stage. Police opened a case of murder and malicious damage to property.

Commissioner condemns vigilantism

Following the incident, some angry community members allegedly set the suspect’s house alight. Police are investigating the matter.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has condemned acts of vigilantism and urged community members to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He emphasised that criminal acts must be dealt with through the justice system and called on the community to allow the police to conduct their duties without interference.

Court appearance

The suspect is expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court today, October 15, on a charge of murder.

Police investigations are continuing.